Short-handed Quakes lost to Sounders FC

SEATTLE -- With a roster depleted by call-ups, suspensions and injuries, San Jose couldn't keep up with the top team in the Western Conference on Saturday night.

The Earthquakes fell behind early and struggled to generate scoring chances during a 1-0 loss to Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field in front of an announced crowd of 49,746, the largest in the MLS this season.

"Obviously we're disappointed to lose," San Jose coach Mark Watson said. "I was proud of our guys tonight, though. I thought they performed pretty well. We were chasing the game from early on but a lot of positives in the performance."

San Jose (2-4-4) dressed just 16 players and remained winless on the road after the loss to the FC Sounders (8-3-1).

Obafemi Martins scored the only goal of the game in the eighth minute with a left-footed chip shot that sailed over the head of goalkeeper Jon Busch and landed just inside the far post.

"You've got to tip your hat to him," Busch said. "That's a big-time finish from that angle. There's nothing you can do. It doesn't matter who you are or where you play, that's a good goal."

Playing without leading scorers Chris Wondolowski (USMNT call-up) and Victor Bernardez (suspension), the Quakes were held scoreless for the fourth time this season. It didn't help that San Jose, which didn't get a shot on goal until the 90th minute, was also missing offensive threats Shea Salinas (suspension) — he has a team-high four assists — and Alan Gordon (injury).

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With key players missing, forward Billy Schuler made his first MLS start, while Shaun Francis made his first start on the back line since March 22.

"We have a bunch of players away, suspended and injured, and it gives guys opportunities," Watson said. "They get a chance to show what they can do and there were some good performances tonight."

Trailing by a goal in the second half, Busch tried to keep the Quakes in the game, making a diving save on a shot from Lamar Neagle in the 58th minute. The veteran keeper added another impressive save in the 65th minute, turning away another shot from Neagle.

Busch finished the game with five saves, four in the second half.

"We knew coming into it, especially on the road, that they were going to get their chances," Busch said. "My job is to make saves and keep us in the game. I did my job."

The Quakes wore black armbands to honor Jason Hernandez's father, who died of cancer Friday.